Although the race has been narrowed to Sims and Coker, it has been unclear who has the edge in the competition. Alabama's scrimmages haven't been open to the media, and passing statistics have not been provided by the university during preseason camp.

Sims, however, is said to be more comfortable in the offense than Coker. The fifth-year senior and longtime backup to McCarron also has a better relationship with his teammates, according to Saban.

Coker has been playing catch-up since transferring from Florida State this summer. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound former backup to Jameis Winston is more of a prototypical passer compared to Sims, who has been primarily a read-option quarterback. But Coker has needed time to adjust to a new playbook and new set of receivers at Alabama.

"He doesn't have the same knowledge and experience," Saban said of Coker. "We're trying to get him more and more familiar so he can play with the rhythm we want offensively."

The quarterback battle can be looked as a glass either half full or half empty, Saban said.

"I do think competition is something that helps all players at any position," he said. "The one unique thing about the quarterback is you'd definitely like to get the rest of the offensive team sort of in sync with the guy that plays the position. So, to me, there's a big upside to two guys competing, and we feel both are doing well. But then the other side of that is the continuity you're trying to bring to the rest of your team."